Sunday, January 20, 2013

During my last trip to the States (more on that next time), I was finally able to get a taste of what everybody has been raving about: Trader Joe's Speculoos Cookie Butter!!!

From Trader Joe's website:

Trader Joe’s Speculoos Cookie Butter is, in its most simplistic terms, spreadable Speculoos cookies. Speculoos cookies are classic Belgian cookies with great crunch, and a slightly caramelized, almost-but-not-quite-gingerbread flavor. After the cookies are baked to a fabulous finish, they’re crushed into a fine powder and mixed with magical ingredients and turned into a smooth, spreadable substance we call Cookie Butter. It resembles peanut butter in color and consistency. Make no mistake, though; this is a treat through and through. Spread it on toast, bagels, pancakes or waffles. Use it as a dip for hunks of dark chocolate or pretzels or (gasp!) veggies like carrots or celery. You could keep it really simple and just use it as a dip for a spoon.

It was love at first try and I just couldn't get enough. I also felt that it was too good not to share with fellow food lovers that I decided to bring and sell it here in Manila...

Photo Credit: Trader's Joe
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Trader Joe's Speculoos Cookie Butter became so popular that they recently released a crunchy version. Same great flavor, with little bits of Speculoos cookies for a richer, more pleasurable cookie butter experience.

I would like to end my South Korea entries with the memory of the beautiful plates of food served at Jung Sik Dang.

From its website:

Jungsik offers a modern and unique understanding of contemporary Korean cuisine – innovative chef Yim has christened it as New Korean. The name for the restaurant, Jungsik, was a play on words. In the Korean language Jung Sik is a formal dinner and it is also the name of our chef.

From NY Mag:

The dining room is modern and subdued, with white tablecloths and leather chairs. There is just a handful of tables, so be sure to make a reservation.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Myeongdong Kyoja is an old Seoul tradition having been in the noodle business for over 40 years.

So popular is Myeongdong Kyoja that hungry customers are willing to give up their personal space just to get a table.

Some might not get what the fuss is all about though as itonly has four items in its menu:

Mandu

Tasty and filling. Reminded me of xiao long bao because of the little drops of soup I had in every bite.

Bibim Guksu

Cold noodles with vegetables and red hot pepper paste. Basically tasted like the red paste Koreans love to pair with just about everything.

Kongguksu

The cold noodles in soy milk broth was too exotic for my taste. Felt like I was eating paste.

Kalguksu

The most popular item in the menu is this knife-cut, handmade meat and vegetables noodles which has a deep and flavorful broth. It didn't disappoint and is the perfect way to combat Seoul's cold weather.